A boiler is a fantastic heating system. Not only does it provide even heat throughout your home, it can keep doing it for twenty years! (Of course, it will only last that long if you have regular maintenance done.) Boilers even require fewer repairs than furnaces. But no system works perfectly forever.
If you do have boiler problems, it’s important to address them promptly. Make sure you notice right away by reviewing these signs that you need boiler repair.
1: Noises
This is the most noticeable indicator of a boiler problem. Another positive thing about boilers is how quietly they operate. If it’s not as quiet as usual, and you’re hearing crackling, clunking, or kettling like an enormous kettle boiling, it’s time for boiler repair in Spokane, WA.
2: Cold Areas
Your boiler circulates hot water throughout a system of radiators, baseboard registers, or under-floor piping. If part of your home is feeling chilly, chances are, the hot water is not reaching that part of the system. Whether it’s a problem with the pipes themselves or with the circulator pump, get it checked out by a professional right away.
3: Cycling Off
Like any heating system, a boiler runs in cycles. It comes on when the thermostat registers that the temperature has reached the lower threshold, and once your home reaches the upper temperature threshold, it turns off. But if those cycles are very short, or the boiler shuts off within a minute or two of starting up, repairs are needed. This can indicate low water pressure or a problem with a pump.
4: Leaks
If you spot dripping or puddles around your boiler, don’t panic, but do get a technician in right away. There are three possible causes: the boiler itself failing, a more minor leak from a loose connection or the pressure relief valve, or a simple buildup of condensation. Water damage is not something you want to deal with, so don’t delay in addressing the issue.
5: Pilot Problems
A pilot that goes out frequently is a definite cause for concern. Chances are, the assembly just needs professional cleaning, but it needs to be done urgently to avoid a gas hazard. And if the pilot light is any color other than blue, you’re at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, so shut off the gas entirely and get emergency repairs.
6: Utility Bill Spikes
Many issues with heating systems of all kinds cause the system to be inefficient. As the heater, furnace, or boiler tries harder and harder to operate despite the problem it’s struggling with, it will consume more and more energy. If you spot a spike in your utility bill, your boiler is a likely culprit.
Operating despite an unrepaired problem causes a lot of wear and tear to the boiler. This will lead to minor issues becoming major ones, or total breakdowns happening. It will also make it much harder for your boiler to reach its 15-20 year lifespan. Avoid bigger problems by promptly addressing problems while they’re just starting.
ACI Northwest is here to help. Contact us today with any questions about your furnace.